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Biography

Toni Collette had only a couple of roles under her belt when she gained her breakout role (not to mention 40 pounds) as a quirky introvert in the hit 1994 comedy Muriel's Wedding. Unfortunately, she was so convincing as a frump that it took years for her to convince the industry that she could play attractive, too. A string of solid supporting performances followed---she was Gwyneth Paltrow's homely friend in Emma and the wallflower in a quartet of temps in the indie Clockwatchers---until she proved she could be fabulous in an Angela Bowie-type turn as an ugly duckling turned sequin-covered swan in the glam-rock drama Velvet Goldmine. Her powerful performance as a single mom grappling with her son's supernatural abilities in 1999's Sixth Sense earned her an Oscar nod, and a slew of domestic roles followed: a suicidal mom in About a Boy, an unhappy housewife with sapphic desires in The Hours and Cameron Diaz's dumpy sister in In Her Shoes, a throwback to her roles of old that required her to gain, then lose, a striking amount of weight. But 2006 was a banner year for the versatile player: Not only did Collette earn a pair of Golden Globe nominations for her work as an addled mom in the indie Little Miss Sunshine and a harried aid worker in the TV-movie Tsunami: The Aftermath, she also released Beautiful Awkward Picture, her debut album with her band Toni Collette & the Finish. In 2009, she accepted the role of a suburban housewife with multiple-personality disorder in the Showtime series United States of Tara, a role that landed her both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. She has homes in Australia and Ireland, which she shares with husband Dave Galafassi and daughter Sage Florence.

Fast Facts

Made acting debut at 14 in a school production of Godspell.

First major professional stage appearance was in the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Uncle Vanya, with Geoffrey Rush.

Gained more than 40 pounds for her breakout role in Muriel's Wedding; later put on 30 pounds for In Her Shoes, which she had to drop during filming to reflect her character's weight loss.

Is in a rock band called Toni Collette and the Finish with her drummer husband.

Awards

1996, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Nominee

2012, AACTA Awards — Best Lead Actress: Nominee

2010, Australian Film Institute Awards — International Award for Best Actress: Nominee

2017, AACTA Awards — Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama: Nominee

2003, Critics' Choice Awards — Best Acting Ensemble: Nominee

1996, Australian Film Institute Awards — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Winner

2019, Independent Spirit Awards — Best Female Lead: Nominee

1999, Oscar — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Nominee

2018, Critics' Choice Awards — Best Actress: Nominee

2007, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: Nominee

1998, Australian Film Institute Awards — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Winner